When practicing the 1-2-3 Release Drill, what is suggested to first do for effectiveness?

The 1-2-3 Release Drill is designed to help archers develop a clean and consistent release of the bowstring. Starting the drill without aids allows the archers to focus on their fundamental mechanics and feel the natural motion of their release. This foundational practice helps in building muscle memory and understanding the correct rhythm and timing of the release.

When practicing without aids, archers can pay closer attention to their body movements, grip, anchor point, and the process of relaxing their fingers during the release. By isolating these elements without the distraction of external tools or aids, archers can develop a more intuitive understanding of what a proper release should feel like. Once they have mastered the basic mechanics, they can then incorporate aids or practice in a group to further refine their technique and receive feedback.

Using instructional videos or aids might lead to reliance on those tools rather than developing a natural and effective personal style, while practicing in a group can introduce additional variables that might distract from individual focus on their technique at the initial stage. Thus, beginning with practice without aids sets the stage for greater success as one progresses in their archery skills.